And how about a little end of the day link-up action? Don't mind if I do. This weekend is the much anticipated (well, for me at least) Academy Awards.

The red carpet arrivals might be my favorite part. I usually watch on E! via DVR an hour or so after it starts. Fast forwarding is by far the best way to get through it, there are lots of boring parts (In fact, the ability to fast forward has kind of revolutionized my awards season experience). Anyway, I thought this was the perfect little link up for this Oscar weekend!

If I were going to the Oscars ...

I'd most definitely copy the hell out of this:

I've been swooning over this entire outfit since she wore it in 2009. If I got to hit the red carpet, I think I'd definitely go with black. Let's just dream for a second that I could ever, ever pull off that sweetheart neckline, which is my favorite part I think.

I'm also just crazy in love with the emerald jewelry:

Ugh, Angelina Jolie really, really is the best.

Ass for hair and makeup, I'd go with something like this:

I'm kind of a down hair kind of gal. I love the waves and body, yet it's off of her face. Also, coral lips. More coral lips in this world, please.

And as for the arm candy, I wouldn't mind a little bit of this:

Ugh, dreamboat city. I'm so in awe of him these days... director, actor, family man, genius beard wearer... what can't he do? Gawd, I love a beard. Remember the old Bennifer days? Yah, I'm trying to forget too.

I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about the canine world, and I don't think I've ever heard of or seen that breed. He's a cute little son of a gun, though. I get a lot of giggles out of the winner being named 'Banana Joe', rather than some hoity toity thing.

The name on his uniform? Ted Vagina. BAHAHAHAHAHAH. He even fake escorted Shaq out of the arena. I actually really hope this wasn't research for a role, rather just a random comedy act. We need more of those in this world.

The men's line will feature "'smart apparel' also known as wearable electronics". The line will be sold in "premier department and specialty stores." Como se what? The project is being totally backed by some company and the Postal Service won't have to pay, but they will receive a portion of profits. What a random thing. I'm not even mad, it's amazing.

4. Bikinis in Antarctica is just stupid. Just, flat stupid. Dumbass cultural icon Kate Upton will be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition like this:

As a part of a little "around the world" theme, they had her pose in actual Antarctica. At the shoot, it was 35 degrees below zero and they could only film her for a few seconds at a time because she "was losing hearing and eyesight because [her] body was shutting down." That's honestly the dumbest thing I've ever read. And can we all agree that it looks like a backdrop?

5. 2 Great Quotes of the Week:

"The colour's more vibrant, the experience is heightened, glitches were fixed, stuff has been added and frankly I don't know what the hell Blu-ray is!"

This is his entrance to the world, I guess. He hopes to be "well-rounded as a producer, director, screenwriter and actor." Can't he just lay low? Haven't we voyeured that family enough? I just want those kids to do normal stuff. I guess normal just isn't in their blood. Quick pop quiz: which Hollywood power teen will he strike up a romance with? I can't even imagine.

I've always loved going to see movies, my parents were always really into it and it's just something I adore. I used to get really OCD about seeing EVERY Best Picture-nominated flick each year so I could make my picks and play along. Lately, I've just been seeing the ones that I'm truly interested in and this time, it was almost all of the nominees!

I really liked all of the movies I saw this year, but here's what I'm thinking about the noms (that I've seen), in order of least favoritest to most favoritest:

Les Miserables

I LOVED, Les Mis, I really did, but I just cannot support it as best picture because there isn't an original story/screenplay. It was fantabulous, but we've been there before. And I'm sick of Anne Hathaway.

Lincoln

Definitely a fascinating historical piece, but too slow for me. Daniel Day Lewis should maybe deserve Best Actor, but the movie kind of drug on for my taste.

Zero Dark Thirty

It was so suspenseful and good, but I think the hype about this one has alot to do with the timeliness. Jesssica Chastain was outstanding, and I was very captivated. But, I read an interview (read it here, very long but EXTREMELY fascinating) with the actual guy that shot Bin Laden that cited some inaccuracies that shoot it down my list.

Argo

Just saw this last night. It was good, and SO suspenseful, but it didn't just knock my socks off. I think some of the production aspects (cinematography, costumes, historical representation, etc.) were stronger than the movie itself. It was really good though (that Ben Affleck, what a dreamboat).

Silver Linings Playbook

I loved, loved this one. A big thing for me is originality/creativity. This one gets a lot of cred for not being based on any kind of history or previously written story. Both actors were amazing. It was a good mix of serious issues, drama and comedy. Loved. Maybe I'm just a woman and liked the only lovey dovey one in the bunch, but I don't think so.

Django Unchained

Favorite. Hands down. Though I could have done with out certain VERY violent parts, I thought this one was just across the board fantastic. The three main characters were all extremely good. The story had romance, bromance, class struggles, slavery... all set in the wild west and deep south. It was creative, yet historical. There were serious parts and funny parts. LOVED.

So friends, which Oscar flicks have you seen? Which did you like/hate?

So, awhile ago, while I was blog hiatus-ing, I've gotten my little self totally hooked on some new TV. I'm usually pretty loyal to my old go-tos, but I've been pretty pleased with some new finds as of late. Are you watching these?

Nashville

I'm sorry, but I just cannot get enough. I look forward to it every week like I used to for the early days of gossip girl. Not the same I know, but same thrill.

I love the intersecting storylines, the music, THE CONNIE BRITTON (who can do no wrong in my eyes, thankyouverymuch Tami Taylor). It also reminds me of some great pals who live out in the music city. Best news yet, it's on TONIGHT!

Downton Abbey

It's not new, but somewhat new to me. I powered through the first two seasons via Netflix/iTunes in December and am addicted as crap.

Season three just wrapped up Sunday and it blew my mind. I think I need to donate to PBS.

Game of Thrones

Nerd obsession city. The Ginger and I both love it. There is constantly TONS happening in the realm to keep up with. Almost too much.

It comes back the end of March. Let's just say, Winter is coming. Winter IS COMING.

Some other new faves:

In the case of all of these Fall 2012 newcomers, you always need a sitcom on your DVR to unwind and kill a little time.

Ben & Kate - like, good one-liners, quick-witted writingThe Mindy Project - I wasn't a fan at first, but it's gotten lots better as the characters develop, can be a low-hanging comedy fruitThe New Normal - Also has great zingers, but it can be a little heavy on the homosexual theme if you're not ready for it

And of course there are these old standbys that I cannot get enough of:

The Office - WTF Jim and Pam? Get it together!30 Rock - RIP. RIP. Though, I will say it was starting to get really weird at the end.New Girl - #neverydissapointsGrey's Anatomy - I might be the last one on earth still watching, but LOVE.Community - Welcome back! At times it can be Chang-fusing, but still great!Glee - Guilty pleasure city.

When I look at it this way, I really should read more. (If I only had a nickel for how many times I've said THAT in my life) And this doesn't even count non-scripted reality trash, which I'm also addicted to.

My body is failing. Genuinely.

So I leave for Peru in a little over a week (EEEEEK!), and of course I'm sick. Of course. I've been coughing for a couple of days and decided to go in to the doctor to be safe. The diagnosis is that I have a little respiratory virus. GREAT. Just great. I'm probably going to need full use of my lungs for this little excursion.

Even better? Last week I had to go in for a veritable buffet of immunizations to go to "the third world" and cannot take antibiotics. I can only treat the symptoms. BALLSACK!

So, what now? Just wait it out. WAIT IT OUT. I'm so frustrated. I"m supposed to be in serious training mode. I'm supposed to be running and stairmastering and breaking in my boots. DOUBLE BALLSACK!

What's worse? This EXACT same thing happened right before my Hawaii trip when I was supposed to be running and stairmastering to get my bikini bod in check.

Why does this keep happening? Are and of you nurses or doctors? Help. Why do I fail when I need to not fail the most?

Hello all, found the perfect linkup for what I'd already planned to post today...

This weekend, Iwent to see an AMAZING Talking Heads cover band, HeartByrne. Genius name if you're familiar. I rocked (and drank, whoops), my face off with some best buddies:

This weekend, I cheered on the Ginger in the Austin Startup Games. Its a networking event bar games tournament for some companies around town. He and his partner were eliminated in the third round of Beer Pong. :(

This weekend, I spend Saturday night in watching 2 movies I've been meaning to get to, Drive and Flight. Flight was not what I was expecting, but good. I could only get through the absurd violence of Drive because of Ryan Gosling. Obvs.

This weekend, I woke up Sunday morning to hike in the Austin greenbelt. I've been feverishly trying to break in my hiking boots for Peru and am lucky to be able to hike right in my own back yard...

This weekend, I went on a mad cleaning dash in my room. Floors, sheets, bathroom, laundry, all of it. It felt amazing.

This weekend, I made dinner with the roomie and caught up on Honey Boo Boo. The Christmas special we watched warmed my little heart. They really are great people.

This weekend, I watched the season finale of DOWNTON ABBEY. Ginger and I didn't get the second hour of the finale on DVR so we set our alarm and woke up to watch a later showing in the middle of the night. Yes, really. (S like that is why he's the best.) I won't spoil for anyone, but WHAT THE SHIT DOWNTON?

Not only is it Heart Day, (which is already one of my favorites and my first to spend with the Ginger), it's the Prince's birthday! #bigday #lotsofsweets

First and foremost, let's talk about the Prince baby...

Happy 5th birthday sweet poodle baby!

Here's a look at him the first night I got him in 2008, and today ...

Where do I even begin... first of all, I'm having a bit of a crisis wondering where five years went. FIVE YEARS, PEOPLE! That thought kind of opens up a whole other exessential can of worms for me, but it's flown by.

Good times and bad, this little dude has been there. It may seem sentimental and weird to those of you out there with husbands and babies, but he's my domestic rock. We've lived alone, we've lived with best friends, we've moved a couple times, we've laughed, we've cried. (Well, I've done most of the crying and he's done most of the tear licking.) I love him more than is probably ok for a human-animal relationship. The sweet Ginger has been so wonderful embracing him, and the Prince definitely can be a force.

...and on that note, I'm thrilled about Valentines, too.

Happy Heart Day, Ginger!

Some of my fave pics of us...

This is somewhat of our first Valentine's day together. Last year I was out of town for the whole week and we didn't really get a proper celebration. So, at the start of this inaugural Heart Day, I don't much know what to expect from him, which is SO EXCITING. A lot of my friends aren't that into Valentine's day, and I get that it's something of a cliche, but it's just always been my favorite, single or not. And now, I'm feeling more enthusiasm than ever. The Ginger (who is actually named Sam), is nothing but a joy to my world. We have so much fun together, he supports me in everything and I think he keeps me sane. What more could a girl ask for?

I love all you internet lovers too. I've been struggling getting back up on that blogging horse and a recent influx of comments has really helped. Thanks, love you lots!

I'm feeling so lovey. WTF is going on. Guess I'll ride this train as long as I can...

I'm headed to Peru to visit the amazing Machu Picchu!

Me and two girlfriends, this is us...

...are headed on a nine-day excursion down to Peru to explore the crap out of it! Sadly, the very key fourth leg of our little friend stool couldn't make it. :(

The best part? We're doing a three-night hike up the entire Inca trail. You start in Cusco, Peru and hike up to the top of the mountains to see Machu Picchu, then ride a train back down. It takes three days and four nights to complete. There will be camping. Lots of camping. I'll admit, it's taken me a bit of time to get on board, but now I'm really exhilarated by the adventure.

The last couple of weeks I've been collecting copious gear: hiking boots, backpacks, rain gear, zip off pants, etc. Yes, internet, you read that right. I'll be wearing ZIP OFF PANTS. I still have a mental block, but I'm workin' on it. There will be no showers or toilets either. So there's that.

All that being said, I'm excited, but it really even hasn't hit me. We are leaving so soon, so soon: Feb. 28th.

YIKES!

So, if you happen to have embarked on this adventure, I'd love tips, or general camping/hiking tips, anything! Words of encouragement are also more than welcome. Can't wait!

I saw this little diddy last week on Jenn's (and Amber and Heather's before that) blog. Just for funsies, and gettin' to know each other, here are some personal "firsts" from this Poodleist on a Monday afternoon.

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning:

Start the coffee pot and roll over and give this little dude lots of snuggles:

2. First thing you do you when you get home from work:

Well I work at home, so really I'm already here. But, I usually stay pretty strict about not turning on the TV all day, though sometimes the lack of background noise is deafening. So, usually my first thing is to turn on the TV (right in time for Seinfeld on TBS, thank goodness) and unwind for a few minutes. Around this time usually the puppies my co-workers are ready to get outside and eat dinner.

3. First kiss:

Honestly, I can't remember, which feels pretty slutty, but really I just have a bad memory. I think I'm going to have to go with my middle school boyfriend Eric. We haven't spoken since around that time.

4. First home:

I'm still DYING to own my own home, but I lived alone for the first time my first year after college. I stayed around Austin to get my first job and lived in a small one-bedroom duplex that I called my "Shanty". It got that name because it was a total shithole. Really. The prince was a brand new puppy when we got it and we keep each other company alot in that little Shanty. I lived in the front part with the little fenced yard:

BTW, I just got lost/distracted on Google Street View looking for that for like the last hour.

5. First car:

Ford Explorer Sport. I got to choose it and I went with the two door. HUGE mistake. I drove it for five years until I got a new car for my 21st birthday.

6. First car accident / traffic violation:

Honestly, I'm having a hard time recalling this one too. Those first couple of years behind the wheel were a little rocky, to say the least. I side-swiped, rear-ended and sped before I'd even left home for college. Whoops. My record has improved greatly now, though.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up:

Hmmmm, I'd have to say teacher because my mom was one. She has taught high school for years and years. When we were little she'd drag us along to football games, homecoming parades, plays, all kinds of "big kid" stuff that I loved.

8. First choice beverage:

Hmmmm, lately, I've been LOVING flavored sparkling water, like La Croix. I have a hard time just chugging down as much water as I should, but I find the the bubbles and light flavor (no sugar, no cals, no anything) help me stay hydrated. My favorite? HEB grapefruit:

9. First choice dessert:

Cupcakes. Hands down. I have a favorite here in town, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop. I'm counting down the days until my birthday (less than two months!) when I'm allowed to eat cupcakes all week. Yay!

10. First choice restaurant:

Coal Vine's Pizza. I originally discovered it living in Dallas where it was my and my best pal's neighborhood go-to for wine, cheesy things and gossip. When I first got back to Austin it was one of the few places I truly missed about DFW. Lo and behold, they built one here too! I had my birthday party last year and it was one of my highlights of 2012 -- for the pizza and the camaraderie of course.

11. First song that comes to mind:

Amarillo by Morning By George Strait:Amarillo By Morning by George Strait on Grooveshark
Two reasons. Lately I've been on a little kick of listening to George Strait classics late at night when the Ginger and I are recapping our party night. This weekend, in the Texas paradise that is Fort Worth, was no exceptions. Secondly, I've been skipping around writing these questions and did #14 before this one. :)

12. First major purchase:

A mattress. Almost as soon as I got my first real paycheck after college I got myself a fancy pillowtop cloud bed that I'm still sleeping on today. I needed it. It took me a year to pay for the whole thing, but it was long, long overdue.

13. First job:

Through high school and college I had some babysitting and lacrosse-related jobs, but my first real, get a W2 job was at this terrible burger place called B&Bs. It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. Home for the summer, I had to find something to do and this place was close to home and would let me avoid working at night. It smelled weird in there, every other person I worked with was a total lowlife and it's now given me a lifelong aversion to commercial kitchens. But, lesson learned: stay in school. Waiting tables sucks.... or at least I'm no good at it.

14. First time you flew on a plane:

Flying to Amarillo, TX to visit my grandparents. My mom used to take me and my sister up there in the summers to visit her hometown and see Granny and Granddad. It's a short 2ish hours on a plane to get up there but a cool 11 hours in the car.

15. First real "big girl" job:

At the end of college, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I took the LSATs and got into schools. I got the piece of advice that it was going to be a major struggle to get through law school and to be sure it's what I want. So, I deferred my acceptances for a year and worked as a Legal Assistant (paralegal/admin) to two lawyers practicing civil litigation. I absolutely HATED it. I had some personal distaste for one of my bosses, but really I just didn't like lawyering. It was legit, every day, 8-5, serious big girl stuff and it sucked. One year was plenty.

Thanks all folks! Let me know if you decide to do a "Firsts" post in comments!

Happy Friday! Today I'm linking up with Stephanie for her fabulous link up ...

HAPPIES

1. Tonight after work I'm headed up to visit my little nugget of a sister in Fort Worth. She's graduating from TCU this sememster, so it's high time I get up there and college it up with her for the weekend. My last visit up there was completely epic and from it came one of my most famous lines, "THIS OLD DOG CAN'T RUN WITH THE PUPS", in reference to the nugget and her roommates totally outpartying me. This time I might not try to hard to keep up. #oldlady #maturity

2. I'm totally pumped about things coming up next week. The Ginger and I are taking in a UT basketball game, of course Valentine's day and Talking Heads (cover band) concert Friday night. Just gotta get through a few more work days!

4. Last night I caught up with a dear friend I hadn't seen in months. It's silly, because she lives like a mile away, but sometimes life just gets in the way. It was great reconnecting with her...

CRAPPIES

1. A giant work project is kind of blowing up, not in a good way. It's one of those where we're behind on a timeline and it's not full panic time yet, but we're getting close. I hate that feeling, just sit and wait to freak. Does that make sense? When it comes to work I'm a little OCD about timelines, responsibilities, just generally keeping my shit together. Not everyone is that way, apparently. It has me stressed.

2. I couldn't find any good newsflash articles. I've been on the hunt all week and nothing really interested me this week. Here are the only things that would have made the cut:

3. Next week the Prince baby turns 5. It is a cause for celebration but I'm a sad Mommy. He's middle aged in dog years. MIDDLE AGED! Also, where did the time go? I got him as a college graduation present and FIVE YEARS has passed. What the hell have I been doing? Yesterday's #TBT post from the first night I got him:

There was cool hologram-y science to make it look like there were multiple Beys...

Kelly and Michelle, of Destiny's Child, came out of canons on to stage:

Though they sang some awesome Destiny's hits, KELLY AND MICHELLE DANCED HER SINGLE LADIES BACKUP IN FLAMES...

...and that's around the moment I completely lost my mind.

We all know that I'm a big huge nerd for Beyonce, but there's no denying that she gave the best Super Bowl show of recent memory. The most badass part of it all? Shortly after her performance the power in the stadium went out. She literally burned the place up. The entire electrical system just got overwhelmed with her fierceness. I can relate.